Comment – July

Usually I am a model of good nature, at least in my public persona as portrayed on these pages, and I should be in a party mood with the upcoming Canada Day celebrations this week, but frankly I am ticked. It stems from what I see as an attitude of condescension in organizations who want to tell us what to do as if they know better, and who often communicate these messages using our own money.

Case in point- the signs along our rural lines telling us to Share the Road. They are paid for by Peterborough County’s Active Transportation group. Don’t get me wrong- their objectives are noble and worthy, but honestly, do they really think that anyone who doesn’t believe they should exercise caution around cyclists and pedestrians will be the least bit influenced by this sign? They probably blow by it without even seeing it. Your tax dollars at work.

If you want to influence the public, don’t assume we are morons- address us with respect. Use as few words as possible and make your case clear and compelling. We are a nation of polite, considerate people who want to make our contribution to the world, at least most of the time. Assuming otherwise may create unintended consequences. Let’s follow Dorothy Nolte’s philosophy about children learning what they live, and model respect, appreciation and kindness. We don’t need a bureaucrat to teach us that lesson. Happy Canada Day. KG

In the Fireside Lounge. Come to a special presentation at the Millbrook & Cavan Historical Society Annual General Meeting by Elaine Young, President of the Millbrook Needlers Quilt Guild. Elaine will take us on a journey through time to hear about what goes into quiltmaking, yesterday and today.

Alex Ovechkin scored early and Andre Burakovsky added two second-period goals to help the Washington Capitals put a decade of playoff frustration behind them with a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final Wednesday night.

NFL owners approved a new policy Wednesday aimed at addressing the firestorm over national anthem protests, permitting players to stay in the locker room during the "The Star-Spangled Banner" but requiring them to stand if they come to the field.

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